Sanadak Demonstrates Regional Dispute-Resolution Model To Delegation Of Arab Financial Leaders

A group of 50 high-ranking financial officials from 20 Arab nations recently visited Sanadak, the UAE's Ombudsman Unit. They aimed to understand its role as the first independent body in the Middle East and North Africa focused on financial consumer protection. This visit was part of the MENA Leaders’ Summit on Financial Inclusion 2025, hosted by the UAE's Central Bank in Abu Dhabi.

The delegation explored Sanadak’s advanced dispute resolution model, which aligns with top international standards. This visit highlighted the UAE's commitment to financial consumer protection, positioning Sanadak as a standard for integrity and transparency in resolving financial disputes.

Faiza Al Awadhi, CEO and Managing Director of Sanadak, emphasised the significance of this visit for regional cooperation. "This visit marks an important step in strengthening regional cooperation and exchanging expertise across the Arab world. Such engagements are vital to building robust systems that protect financial consumers and support the growth of a more sustainable financial ecosystem in our region," she stated.

The delegates learned about Sanadak’s methods for developing dispute-resolution processes and empowering consumers. They also reviewed its contributions to financial inclusion and improving quality of life. A presentation covered key operational policies and digital platforms that speed up complaint handling, boosting customer satisfaction and public confidence.

Delegates praised Sanadak’s crucial role in safeguarding consumer rights and fostering trust among stakeholders in banking and insurance sectors. They noted the importance of its mechanisms, including data-driven approaches and governance-focused practices that enhance transparency.

Sherif Lokman, Sub-Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt for Financial Inclusion and Sustainability, remarked on Sanadak’s influence: "Sanadak’s experience is a model the Arab region can benefit from, offering advanced mechanisms for addressing and resolving disputes while balancing consumer rights with the interests of financial institutions, ultimately enhancing trust in the financial system."

Sanadak's Innovative Systems

The visit concluded with an overview of Sanadak’s innovative operating systems and digital platforms for managing complaints. These digital services are designed to streamline procedures, improving service quality for consumers.

Amr Ahmad from Jordan's Central Bank acknowledged Sanadak’s pioneering efforts: "We value Sanadak’s pioneering experience, which reflects the UAE’s commitment to transparency and fairness in financial services and serves as a key reference for Arab countries seeking to develop effective dispute-resolution systems."

This engagement underscores how Sanadak sets a benchmark for others aiming to enhance their dispute-resolution frameworks while maintaining fairness and transparency.

With inputs from WAM